The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of true aromatherapy.
Visit us at www.naha.org

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

In today's world, finding ways to green our earth, our communities and ourselves are vital. Having natural, green alternatives at our fingertips not only makes it simple, but it ensures that we may take action. Take pest control for example, if a greener solution for insect repellent, ant repellent or flea control was available, wouldn't you be likely to use it? Especially if it has additional health benefits, such as boosting immune function, enhancing your mood or helping release irritability?

Well, bugs may be a part of the natural greening process for the environment, but when they start attacking us or our pets, compromising our immunity and health, we need to take control. Using a natural, aromatherapy-based bug repellent, may be necessary to deter pests from biting you or your pet.

The great thing is that by using this natural repellent, you may also gain therapeutic value such as reduced anxiety and increased mental clarity, all at the same time. As we know, aromatherapy is a powerful combination of science and art. It is known to shift, alter, enhance and change our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual state. It provides a plethora of therapeutic properties such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic and vermifuge. Using essential oils with these properties provide you with a multi-faceted, multi-therapeutic and effective product, especially when seeking bug protection.

There are several essential oils known to offer stronger bug repelling properties than others. The ones I have found to be tremendously effective in fighting these unwanted nuisances are citronella, lemongrass, thyme, geranium and lavender. I have also found additional benefit by blending these essential oils with liquid plant-based enzymes, which are known to break down protein. Most bugs have an exoskeleton made of a protein structure. These enzymes help to break down their outer shell, thus disabling them from biting you or anyone else. The enzymes in conjunction with pure essential oils make for a valuable blend that may combat lice, fleas, insects and other nagging pests that may compromise optimal body functions.

If you happen to miss a spot while applying your bug repellent and get an insect bite, lavender and frankincense essential oils are known to provide anti-itch, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Simple apply 1 drop neat to the specific area or mix in some avocado or jojoba oil for instant relief.

Bug Repelling Essential Oils

Cymbopogon nardus, is a member of the Gramineae family. This tall, perennial grass has a history of providing insect repellent properties in addition to being antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-parasitic. It is commonly employed in outdoor candles, natural bug repellents, aromatic mists, lotions and herbal teas. In addition to repellent bugs, citronella may help ease depression, reduce fever and combat colds.

Cymbopogon citratus, is a member of the Gramineae family. It is a tall, perennial grass that has historically been used to energize the mind and body, combat fatigue, combat infection and repel insects. It offers analgesic, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal and vermifuge properties. Lemongrass is commonly employed in herbal teas, aromatic mists, immune supporting blends and insect repellents.

Thymus vulgaris, is a member of the Labiatae family. It is a perennial, evergreen herb, historically used as a digestive tonic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and vermifuge. Thyme was employed along with clove and lemon during WWII to disinfect hospitals and fight against pesty invaders. Thyme has been commonly associated with cooking as it may combat internal parasites, indigestion, gas and bloating. It is a great addition to any insect repellent adding a sweet, green and herbaceous scent.

Pelargonium graveolens, is a member of the Geraniaceae family. It is a perennial shrub offering antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and vermifuge properties. Geranium essential oil, not to be confused with the plant we see on our doorstep, historically has been known to have a balancing effect on the body - physically, emotionally and mentally, as well as pH. This scent often repels bugs as soon as they come into contact with it.

Lavendula angustifolia, is a member of the Labiatae family. It is an evergreen shrub that perhaps is the most recognized, researched and used essential oil to date. Historically, it has been referred to as "the jack-of-all-trades" essential oil, providing countless therapeutic properties such as antiviral, antifungal, antifungal, analgesic, antiseptic and vermifuge. It not only helps to protect the body from pest invasions, it helps to calm irritations from those who attack us, reducing redness, inflammation, swelling and itching.

As you will note, a common denominator among most of these oils is that they belong to the Gramineae or Labiatae family and are perennial grasses or shrubs. So, if you do not have one of these listed oils in your cabinet, but you do have another that belongs in this botanical family, you may be able to substitute. Research it in an aromatherapy reference book (there are several available at www.naha.org online bookstore) and decide if it is a good choice for the blend you are creating.

You can choose to combine all of these oils in a blend or just use the ones you have on hand. Apply in a carrier to protect skin as well as hydrate and moisturize the skin. For pets, children and elderly, use a greater dilution ratio.

There are also many other ways to bust bugs, such as ants, roaches and fleas, from our home, our pets and even our plants. Peppermint, eucalyptus and clove essential oils are historically known to combat ants and other crawling critters. You can spray a mixture of these essential oils with plant-based enzymes and/or a soap concentrate like castile soap directly on their path or place a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball and place in the areas they may hide (of course, keeping it out of reach for children and pets).

To protect a plant from bug invasions, use a very diluted solution of water, vinegar and plant-based enzymes with 1 drop of an essential oil. Spray once daily.

Apply generous layer to skin at least 10 minutes before bug exposure. Use as needed. * for pets, because they have a more sensitive system than humans, apply a light layer over their coat once before bug exposure. An over-intoxification of the spray can cause them to be lethargic.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any health concerns. A professional healthcare provider should be consulted before beginning any health program.

Here's to a greener you, a greener pet and greener environment. In scents and health, Jennifer Hochell Pressimone

Jennifer Hochell Pressimone is a holistic aromatherapist and herbalist, NAHA Regional Director, author, educator and natural health consultant. She is the owner of JennScents®, Inc. and the Clermont Herb Shoppe & Day Spa in Clermont, Florida. Jennifer contributes regularly to the NAHA journal and will be a featured speaker for NAHA upcoming tele-seminar in December. She can be reached at jh@jennscents.comwww.jennscents.com

Want to contribute to the NAHA Essential E-News column?

We'd love for you to share your helpful aromatherapy recipes and green-awareness tips. We are also looking for information on the following: Marketing your aromatherapy business tips, diffusion blends, what do you do to be green etc.

Please fill out the Online Feedback Formand submit your writings in a WORD Document to Kelly at ashitherapy@skybest.com If your e-news is accepted for publication in a future NAHA e-newsletter you will be notified via email.

No comments:

Welcome!

This is a place where NAHA members and prospective members can come to learn about what's happening in our organization. As members please feel free to share your ideas and experiences in regards to Aromatherapy. We hope you will find this site useful and informative!

Please do not post these types of questions to the blog. We want to make sure that your inquiry is not missed and that you receive an informative response in a timely manner.

If you have a specific question about essential oils, hydrosols, aromatherapy products, how to use oils for certain issues etc. Please use the NAHA Online Feedback Form to submit your inquiry. Once the Feedback Form has been received it will be sent to either the NAHA Regional Directors or Safety Committee for their feedback, suggestions or answers to your question/s.

You can also use the NAHA Online Feedback Form to submit your questions or to update your membership contact information.

We will not answer questions posted or sent from an anonymous source. Any type of posting that contains promotional advertisement, marketing hype or negative statements will not be posted.

We invite you to visit the NAHA website for more information on: NAHA Approved Schools and Educators, Calendar of Events, Tele-conference schedule, Online Bookstore and much more!

The information on the NAHA Website, Blog or contained in NAHA Email Communications is not intended to diagnose or take the place of professional healthcare. Please consult your health care practitioner if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with any serious healthcare problems.

Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children and pets. Do not get near eyes. If essential oils get in the eyes, flush with water and seek proper healthcare advice.

Before using essential oils and aromatherapy products please consult with a professional aromatherapist.

NAHA website is a resourceful area for information on Aromatherapy Safety, Applications & Uses. http://www.naha.org/

All Questions pertaining to essential oils and aromatherapy must be submitted via the online Feedback form which is on the Contact NAHA page and Membership Resources page. All incomplete forms will be returned to sender.

NAHA can not diagnose or prescribe essential oils, please note that any information shared is for educational purposes only.

NAHA is not responsible nor can be held liable for any content that is posted to the blog area. Please read the information at your own discretion and please use common sense and safe use when it comes to using essential oils and aromatherapy products. It is the users responsibility to determine the safe conditions for use of these materials, and to assume liability for loss, injury, damage of expense arising from their improper use.